History of the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Bell

History of the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Bell. . The Cuyahoga Falls Fire Bell located in this memorial tower dates back to 1888, when it was cast at the Buckeye Bell Foundry in Cincinnati, OH. The Buckeye Bell Company was founded in Cincinnati in 1837, the same year the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department (CFFD) was established., The Cuyahoga Falls Fire Bell was hung in the cupola in the original City Hall located at Broad Blvd and Front Street. It is 28 inches tall, 30 inches wide and weighs more than 600lbs and served as a beacon to call volunteer firefighters to action when fire broke out in our City. The bell was rung by hand, bringing volunteer firefighters to man the horse-drawn steam pumpers and respond to the fire., The Cuyahoga Falls Fire Bell was used for over thirty years until 1919, at which point newer technologies such as fire alarm boxes and telephones starting becoming more widespread and the growing expanse of the City made using the bell more difficult. Eventually, the bell's clapper was removed and the ropes were cut to prevent it from being rung., The early 1900's saw several other major changes for the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department. Due to the invention of gasoline-powered fire engines and the growing number of firefighters, the Department had outgrown its space in the basement of City Hall and a dedicated Fire Station was planned. In 1927, the CFFD moved to this location and named Fire Station #1. Five years later in 1932, the CFFD became one of the first full-time career Fire Departments in Ohio., By the early 1930's, after years of little maintenance and use, time had taken its toll on the bell tower as bricks and other remnants began falling from it, and the bell was removed from the cupola due to safety concerns. By this time, the bell's clapper had been removed and the bell was no longer functional. It was tucked away for many years in the empty garage floor in City Hall that once housed the fire department. In 1948, the Bell was brought to Oakwood Cemetery and placed in a makeshift firemen's memorial. It remained there for many decades., Over the years, neglect and continuous exposure to the weather had caused severe deterioration of the bell. In August 2021, the decision was made to remove the Fire Bell from Oakwood Cemetery in order to be sent out for restoration., The Buckeye Bell Company had transferred ownership a few times over the years, and is now known as the Verdin Bell Company, still based in Cincinnati, OH. The Cuyahoga Falls Fire Bell was brought to Verdin Bell in January 2023., In 2024, the Cuyahoga Falls Firefighter Memorial Foundation installed the restored Fire Bell in the newly completed tower. With the completion of this memorial, our City's historic Fire Bell once again rings in remembrance of the men and women of the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department and all firefighters who have served their communities. We remain forever grateful for their service., The Foundation , In 2020, the Cuyahoga Falls Firefighter Memorial Foundation was established to honor the legacy and sacrifice of all members of the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department (CFFD) and to create and maintain a suitable firefighter memorial in support of that mission., With the support of numerous businesses and the generosity of individuals throughout the community, the Foundation raised 100% of the funds necessary for the refurbishment of the Bell and the design and construction of the tower structure., The Foundation's purpose is to honor the legacy of all the members that have served as Cuyahoga Falls Firefighters and to shine a light on the collective sacrifice many have made while fulfilling their oath to our community. It is imperative that we memorialize those that have made the ultimate sacrifice while in the line of duty - for it was during their service to the City of Cuyahoga Falls that they gave their very lives, their sacrifice shall be forever remembered on the Northeast face of the tower. The sun will rise each day on their likeness to symbolize the light we shine on them into eternity., Thank you for your sacrifice, brothers. Rest In Peace. We remember you, forever.